Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Geniane Schneider, Felix L. Figueroa, Julia Vega, Antonio Aviles, Paulo Antunes Horta, Nathalie Korbee, Jose Bonomi-Barufi
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of the red alga Gracilaria cornea under different radiation treatments. The results showed that UV radiation influenced the growth rates and accumulation of internal compounds, and suggested the presence of photoreceptors sensitive to UV-A, UV-B, and blue light.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maryam Kokabi, Morteza Yousefzadi, Samad Nejad Ebrahimi, Maryam Soltani, Sonia Malik
Summary: This study found nine different MAAs in the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. The MAA-enriched extract showed significant and dose-dependent antioxidant activity, comparable to that of ascorbic acid.
ACTA PHYSIOLOGIAE PLANTARUM
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Berenice Santiesteban-Romero, Manuel Martinez-Ruiz, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernandez, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that produce valuable metabolites in extreme conditions. Their metabolites have versatile applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Microalgae have been explored for their UV protection properties, making them a potential alternative to harmful compounds in commercial sunscreens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Subir B. Shakya, Tri Haryoko, Mohammad Irham, Suparno, Dewi M. Prawiradilaga, Frederick H. Sheldon
Summary: This study investigated the genetic basis of plumage coloration and population history in the black-headed bulbul species. The results showed distinct genetic differences between grey individuals on Bawean and Maratua islands, with potential candidate loci identified for the color polymorphism. Tests did not indicate selection on the candidate genes, suggesting minimal genetic diversification in most populations.
Article
Geography, Physical
Rachel Diamond, Louise C. Sime, David Schroeder, Maria-Vittoria Guarino
Summary: The Hadley Centre Global Environment Model version 3 successfully simulates an ice-free Arctic during the Last Interglacial, with the summer ice melt mainly driven by thermodynamic processes rather than atmospheric and ocean circulation changes. The formation of melt ponds plays a significant role in changing the energy balance and albedo feedback, impacting Arctic surface temperatures. Strong correlations between spring melt pond and summer ice area provide insights for predicting future sea-ice loss. Models with explicitly modelled melt ponds may have different sea-ice behavior under different forcings, raising concerns for future projections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dajana Rucova, Maria Vilkova, Simona Sovova, Zuzana Vargova, Zuzana Kostecka, Richard Frenak, Deepti Routray, Martin Backor
Summary: With the increasing demand for natural substances to replace synthetic ones in the cosmetic industry, this study aims to explore the biological potential of the secondary metabolite scytonemin from cyanobacteria collected in Antarctica, and evaluate its potential as an ingredient for natural UV sunscreen cream.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Janine Bennett, Tanya Soule
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the response of scytonemin biosynthesis genes to various environmental conditions. The results show that UVA, UVB, and high light can upregulate the expression of scytonemin genes, although scytonemin pigment is not produced under high light. There is no synthesis of scytonemin or upregulation of these genes under osmotic stress.
Review
Microbiology
Lan Lin, Tong Zhang, Jianping Xu
Summary: Natural colorants derived from plants and fungi have advantages over synthetic colorants in terms of environmental impact and human health. The global market value of natural colorants is increasing significantly. Fungi are a preferred choice for producing natural colorants due to their ease of culturing. There is a wide variety of colorful fungi and diverse fungal colorants, motivating research efforts in search of natural alternatives. This review focuses on the genetic and environmental factors influencing the production of major types of fungal colorants, highlighting advances in molecular genetics and environmental manipulation for value-added and large-scale production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
V. M. Cubillos, L. P. Salas-Yanquin, J. A. Buchner-Miranda, F. Ramirez, M. S. Zabala, A. Averbuj, F. Marquez, H. N. Jaramillo, O. R. Chaparro
Summary: Intracapsular embryonic development in the intertidal zone exposes embryos to various stress sources, including UV radiation. This study investigated the presence of carotenoids and mycosporine-like amino acids in adults, encapsulated embryos, and egg capsule walls of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon. Oxygen consumption rates were measured in encapsulated and excapsulated embryos exposed to different radiation conditions to understand the protective role of the capsule wall. The results revealed the presence of carotenoids in adult tissues and all encapsulated stages, while mycosporine-like amino acids were not detected. The capsule wall effectively blocked UV-B radiation, indicating its protective function.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jason A. Clark, Ken D. Tape, Latha Baskaran, Clayton Elder, Charles Miller, Kimberley Miner, Jonathan A. O'Donnell, Benjamin M. Jones
Summary: Beaver engineering in the Arctic tundra leads to hydrologic and geomorphic changes that promote methane production. This methane emission is caused by factors such as vegetation inundation, conversion from flowing to stagnant systems, accumulation of organic sediments, elevated water tables, anaerobic conditions, and permafrost thawing. A study using hyperspectral remote sensing data found that methane hotspots were concentrated within 30 meters of water bodies, and there was a significantly higher occurrence of methane hotspots around beaver ponds compared to non-beaver water bodies. This highlights the impact of beaver-mediated methane emissions on the Arctic carbon cycle and the effects of climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tuhin Khan, Radek Litvin, Vaclav Sebelik, Tomas Polivka
Summary: The study found that after excess energy excitation, there is a clear increase in the S* signal of carotenoids, accompanied by an extended S* lifetime. This suggests that excess energy excitation increases the energy stored in molecular vibrations, potentially bypassing certain excited states pathways.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elliot L. L. Weiss, Mattias Rolf Cape, B. Jack Pan, Maria Vernet, Chase C. C. James, Tim J. J. Smyth, Sun-Yong Ha, Jose L. Iriarte, B. Greg Mitchell
Summary: Interactions between phytoplankton and ultraviolet radiation are influenced by oceanic variables and changes in the environment. Phytoplankton have mechanisms, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), to cope with UV stress. This study examined the composition and distribution of MAAs in phytoplankton across the Southern Ocean, revealing spatial variations and correlation with environmental factors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anjali Singh, Maria Cizkova, Katerina Bisova, Milada Vitova
Summary: Prolonged exposure to harmful UV radiation can lead to skin disorders, prompting the search for natural UV-screening compounds like mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) derived from plants or bacteria. The use of MAAs as alternatives to chemical sunscreens is gaining attention due to their stability when conjugated with biopolymers like chitosan. This review critically discusses UV-induced skin damage, issues with chemical and physical sunscreens, and the biotechnological applications of MAAs.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konrad Gajewski
Summary: The study analyzed ponds and lakes from Ellesmere Island in order to examine the role of ice cover as the dominant driver of diatom assemblage change. It was found that the proposed classification scheme may be confounded with other variables, and that the cold sites differ from the warm and oasis sites in terms of diatom assemblages and histories. The findings also suggest that warm sites have not responded more rapidly to recent climate change than cold or cool sites as previously claimed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sofia Celewicz, Bartlomiej Goldyn
Summary: This study reveals that phytoplankton communities in temporary water bodies undergo succession under the influence of photoperiod and temperature, with different seasonal inundation periods and climate scenarios impacting species richness and taxonomic group abundance. A long photoperiod and moderate temperature were found to be favorable for phytoplankton growth, while high temperatures resulted in a decline in species diversity. These findings suggest that climate change will lead to shifts in species abundance and potential changes in biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Isabelle B. Fournier, Rosa Galvez-Cloutier, Warwick F. Vincent
Summary: This study focused on the catchment of Saint-Charles River and its reservoir in Quebec City, Canada. The results showed significant differences in ion concentrations and behavior between urbanized and forested watersheds. Managing roadside snowmelt runoff can prevent salt-associated contamination, and winter snowmelt will become more important as the climate continues to warm.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paschale N. Begin, Yukiko Tanabe, Milla Rautio, Maxime Wauthy, Isabelle Laurion, Masaki Uchida, Alexander Culley, Warwick F. Vincent
Summary: The study found that under the thick mid-summer ice cover of Ward Hunt Lake, there is a high degree of vertical structure in water column, including gradients in temperature, conductivity, and dissolved gases, which change with depth. The ice cover controls the benthic light conditions in the water column, and future loss of mid-summer ice will completely change water column properties and benthic light conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Adrien Vigneron, Perrine Cruaud, Alexander I. Culley, Raoul-Marie Couture, Connie Lovejoy, Warwick F. Vincent
Summary: This study identified diverse microbial communities and metabolic pathways involved in sulfur cycling in a meromictic ice-capped lake in the Canadian High Arctic. Sulfur cycle intermediates and organic sulfur molecules were found to be major sources of electron donors and acceptors for microbial communities, playing a crucial role in biogeochemical sulfur reactions in aquatic and sedimentary environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elise Imbeau, Warwick F. Vincent, Maxime Wauthy, Mathieu Cusson, Milla Rautio
Summary: The study reveals that winter ice cover of boreal and Arctic lakes contains significant amounts of organic material, which when released into the water at ice melt, may stimulate lake ecosystem productivity. Particulate and dissolved materials in the ice play an important role in influencing the biogeochemical composition of lake ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Masaharu Tsuji, Warwick F. Vincent, Yukiko Tanabe, Masaki Uchida
Summary: The rapid loss of glacial ice in Walker Glacier in the Canadian High Arctic has caused a decline in fungal diversity and the loss of habitats for cold-dwelling fungal species. Fungal diversity is an important biological resource in glacial ecosystems, and genomic surveys and conservation efforts are urgently needed.
Article
Microbiology
Isabelle B. Fournier, Connie Lovejoy, Warwick F. Vincent
Summary: This research investigated the effects of road de-icing salt on microbial communities in lake plankton, revealing an increase in some rare taxa. The study found that the changes induced by salt were different from those caused by urban snowmelt, highlighting the need for direct testing of the combined chemical effects of urban snow.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ligia F. Coelho, Marie-Amelie Blais, Alex Matveev, Tina Keller-Costa, Warwick F. Vincent, Rodrigo Costa, Zita Martins, Joao Canario
Summary: This article introduces a comprehensive protocol for monitoring and reducing contamination in Arctic ice cores, which can be used as analogs for Europa and Enceladus missions. By physically removing the exterior layers of ice cores and using techniques like 16S rRNA sequencing to monitor contamination, researchers identified 13 bacterial contaminants, including a radioresistant species. The protocol reduces contamination risk, provides quantitative and qualitative information about contaminants, and allows for result validation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Olga Povoroznyuk, Warwick F. Vincent, Peter Schweitzer, Roza Laptander, Mia Bennett, Fabrice Calmels, Dmitrii Sergeev, Christopher Arp, Bruce C. Forbes, Pascale Roy-Leveillee, Donald A. Walker
Summary: Land-based transport corridors and infrastructure in the Arctic are expanding, leading to significant changes in socio-ecological systems. These changes are driven by resource development, population growth, and climate change, and require integrated approaches for impact assessment and adaptation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Myriam Labbe, Mary Thaler, Thomas M. Pitot, Josephine Z. Rapp, Warwick F. Vincent, Alexander Culley
Summary: This study highlights the importance of viruses in understanding polar aquatic ecosystems dominated by microorganisms. The researchers conducted the first assessment of viral abundance, diversity, and distribution in a vulnerable ecosystem in the High Arctic. They observed distinct viral communities in different layers of the ecosystem and identified different functional genes in these viral communities. The findings underscore the importance of characterizing underexplored microbiota in the Last Ice Area before irreversible changes occur.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro Freitas, Goncalo Vieira, Carla Mora, Joao Canario, Warwick F. Vincent
Summary: Thermokarst lakes and ponds, resulting from permafrost thaw, have diverse optical properties that pose challenges for remote sensing. Shadowing affects water reflectance, reducing usable pixels for analysis. Effects are greater on bright and turbid lakes and are amplified in the cold season due to low solar elevations. The study emphasizes the importance of considering optical variations caused by shading in future analyses of thermokarst lakes.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Will Kochtitzky, Luke Copland, Trudy Wohlleben, Pilipoosie Iqaluk, Catherine Girard, Warwick F. Vincent, Alexander I. Culley
Summary: This study presents the first field and remote sensing observations of Thores Glacier in northern Ellesmere Island, Canada. The glacier is slow-moving and has shown little change in terminus position since at least 1959. The supraglacial drainage network is poorly developed, with no evidence of water reaching the glacier bed. If the glacier thins or retreats sufficiently, regional drainage will reverse and Thores Lake would no longer exist.
Article
Microbiology
Valerie Langlois, Catherine Girard, Warwick F. Vincent, Alexander I. Culley
Summary: This study aims to examine viral diversity over time to elucidate the seasonal structure of viral communities in thermokarst lakes. It was found that the viral communities in this permafrost thaw lake ecosystem have distinct composition compared to other permafrost and northern lake ecosystems.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Warwick F. Vincent, Julia Boike, Victoria R. Buschman, Frederic Bouchard, Scott Zolkos, Greg H. R. Henry, Brent B. Wolfe, Joao Canario
Summary: In parallel to the loss of sea ice and other climate impacts in the Arctic Ocean, significant changes are occurring in northern landscapes and associated ecosystems. Arctic communities are becoming more vulnerable to these changes, including impacts on food security, water quality, and land-based transportation. The T-MOSAiC project aimed to enhance understanding of Arctic terrestrial change and identify priorities for research, monitoring, and policy development through collaborative efforts. This special collection of articles in Arctic Science covers various topics, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary, international, and cross-cultural collaborations in Arctic research.
Article
Ecology
Adrien Vigneron, Warwick F. F. Vincent, Connie Lovejoy
Summary: This study identified a novel bacterial taxon, Tariuqbacteria, through amplicon sequencing and genome-centric metagenomic analysis of Lake A on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic. This bacterial class dominates in the anoxic and sulfidic bottom layer of relict sea water that has been isolated from the Arctic Ocean for around 3000 years. The genetic composition of Candidatus Tariuqbacter genome suggests a strictly anaerobic lifestyle with potential biogeochemical transformations and an allelochemical influence on the microbiome structure.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Catherine Girard, Warwick F. Vincent, Alexander I. Culley
Summary: Arctic climate change is causing sea-ice reduction along the northern coast of Canada and Greenland, but the impact on land-based ecosystems has received less attention. This study evaluated the bacterial community structure in a hydrologically connected cryo-ecosystem and found significant genetic differences among diverse niches. The findings suggest that ongoing climate change and glacier retreat could lead to the loss of the lake microbial ecosystem in the Last Ice coastal margin.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
